Much like our ‘Retro Rewind’ and ‘From the Vault’ segments, readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.  So in a quest to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday we introduced a new retrospective segment – ‘TGJ Replay’.

Unlike its ‘Rewind’ and ‘Vault’ predecessors, ‘Replay’ looks to dust off and showcase albums (and eras) from a library of pop music hits.  Today, we press play on ’12 Play’ – the debut solo project from King of R&B R. Kelly…

(more…)

Ciara has gone on record to describe her fifth studio album as her most personal yet, and it seems she’s keen that reflects in its title.

Initially christened ‘One Woman Army’, as of one hour ago, iTunes now has the project simply listed as ‘Ciara’. The official artwork above was also included in the re-tooled listing which came binded with the confirmed tracklisting.

Taking to Instagram once the news begun doing the fan rounds, the dynamo performer posted a confirmation of sorts:

(more…)

Mrs. Carter to the stage!

Beyonce‘s sell-out world tour, ‘The Mrs. Carter Show’, kicks off in Belgrade, Serbia.

And with fans already filing into the arena for showtime (which is in a mere matter of hours), the young icon has posted snaps from the trek’s final run-through.

Watch King B prepare to prove why she’s Pop royalty below…

Your thoughts?

From the shadows to the spotlight.

Eric Bellinger has enjoyed ample success penning hits for the likes of Usher, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber. However, the gifted writer is keen to shine light on his own vocal talents with new mixtape ‘Born II Sing Vol. III’.

Introduced by Usher and featuring contributions from the likes of Sevyn, Tank and more, the set is the Los Angeles native’s third collection of free songs — and, for us, his best yet.

Take a listen below and snap up your free copy!

(more…)

Though recent years have seen her use her material and live act as they driving force behind her brand,the start of  Beyonce‘s solo run saw her work side by side with multinational brands to penetrate Pop culture via the mediums of television, film and in L’Oreal’s case…hair.

Now, as to reinforce her household name status ten years after debuting, she has teamed up with Pepsi and H&M to ensure her name is firmly embedded in the minds of Jane and John Doe‘s across the globe, via gargantuan media campaigns that will make her face impossible to avoid.

The first of these? Her epic partnership with H&M which will see her star in their ‘Summer 2013‘ outing- snaps from which can be seen below!

(more…)

With his music and the name behind it generating more buzz by the day, Luke James found himself under the intense eye of NYC paps while on his way out of a filming session in the city.

No doubt an indicator of his rising notoriety, the ‘I Want You’ beau found himself quizzed on forthcoming movie, ‘Black Nativity’ in which he stars in alongside Mary J. Blige, Angela Bassett and Oscar winning vocalist Jennifer Hudson.

Watch as he dishes a little on the musical below…

(more…)

How hot do Alexandra Burke, LeToya Luckett and Adrienne Bailon look together?

The trio looked like a bag of money and good living on the set of a commercial for celebrity make-up artist AJ Crimson‘s new range.

Each of the ladies are working on respective albums; UK-bred Burke is piecing together her US debut, while Luckett is cooking up her third solo LP; former 3LW and Cheetah Girls singer Adrienne is readying her first project under Ne-Yo‘s Compound imprint.

Your thoughts?

Fiercy femcee Iggy Azalea continued her push for new single ‘Work’ with a unique performance for VEVO Lift.

The T.I. protégé stripped back the track, showcasing a live rendition that relied solely on drums, keys, and a string quartet. For us, the result was sublime.

Watch the Ms. Azalea work after the jump to see what we mean…

(more…)

For Ciara, all roads lead to June 4th!

The stage blazer’s new album ‘One Woman Army‘ marches into stores on that date and so as to whip up heightened buzz the singer has been revealing its tracklist day-by-day.

This morning, though, saw the 27-year-old confirm seven tracks that’ll feature on the project. With three already announced, one has to wonder if those unveiled today complete the ‘One Woman’ tracklist.

Whatever the case, check out the new numbers, and tracklist recap, below…

(more…)

In the mood for a Rihanna set?

You are? Then peep her performing a medley of her greatest hits during her ‘Diamonds World Tour’ when it touched down at LA’s Staples Center.

Showcasing the best her skilled writers have had to offer her since her arrival, the performance should sit well with fans and critics alike…far more impressive than earlier outings from the show.

Check it out below!

(more…)

While fans were elated by news she is recording her third studio album, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will be back to showing off her acting chops in a new Lifetime film ‘Call Me Crazy: A Five Film’.

Set to air Saturday, April 20, at 8:00pm ET/PT, the songstress will portray “Maggie” – a veteran returning home from war who suffers from bouts with posttraumatic stress disorder.

See the extended trailer of the movie above which will be one of five telling the tales of strong women.

Your thoughts?

While the last few years have seen Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith plagued with divorce rumors, Jada added fuel to the fire earlier this month when she implied the two had an open marriage.

Now, after being mum on the topic for weeks, the ‘Set It Off’ actress took to Facebook to directly address the claim as well as offer “haters” a few insightful words on “Relationships 101”.

Read the letter below (via Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Official Facebook):

“Open marriage?

Let me first say this, there are far more important things to talk about in regards to what is happening in the world than whether I have an open marriage or not. I am addressing this issue because a very important subject has been born from discussions about my statement that may be worthy of addressing.

The statement I made in regard to, “Will can do whatever he wants,” has illuminated the need to discuss the relationship between trust and love and how they co-exist.

Do we believe loving someone means owning them? Do we believe that ownership is the reason someone should “behave”? Do we believe that all the expectations, conditions, and underlying threats of “you better act right or else” keep one honest and true? Do we believe that we can have meaningful relationships with people who have not defined nor live by the integrity of his or her higher self? What of unconditional love? Or does love look like, feel like, and operate as enslavement? Do we believe that the more control we put on someone the safer we are? What of TRUST and LOVE?

Should we be married to individuals who can not be responsible for themselves and their families within their freedom? Should we be in relationships with individuals who we can not entrust to their own values, integrity, and LOVE…for us???

Here is how I will change my statement…Will and I BOTH can do WHATEVER we want, because we TRUST each other to do so. This does NOT mean we have an open relationship…this means we have a GROWN one.

Siempre,

J”

And, there you have it folks!

Your thoughts?